Let's meet Georgette Obeid: from Lebanon to Alsace, on the trail of polymers

• Can you tell us about your academic career so far and what led you to choose this area of research?

During high school, I have always been very fascinated by the chemistry courses we had, and how they help us understand everything around us in our daily life. So, I decided to study this field, and I obtained my bachelor’s degree in chemistry from the Lebanese University in 2021. After that, I wanted to move abroad to continue my graduate studies and to discover new cultures and places. Strasbourg, being one of the leading centers of chemistry in the world, was an evident choice, so I therefore joined the Complex Systems Chemistry (CSC) graduate school. During my master’s degree, I had the opportunity to complete three research internships in different labs, which allowed me to explore a variety of research fields. Through these experiences, I discovered during my internship in the Laboratory of Chemistry of Informational Macromolecules under the supervision of Dr. Jean-François Lutz that sequence-defined polymers are a particularly fascinating area of research, with promising applications, especially in data storage. Consequently, I decided to continue in this laboratory for a PhD, focusing on the synthesis of digital polymers for nanopore sequencing.

• What does the research environment at ISIS bring you (professionally and personally)?

I believe that ISIS is an outstanding place to carry out research. The institute is well equipped with top-quality analytical facilities that help us a lot during our research. This is thanks to the institute’s skilled analytical team that manages all analyses and works closely with PhD students and postdoctoral researchers to ensure the validity of the results. Not only that, but the ISIS technical and administrative staff are always here beside you, providing a welcoming atmosphere, and ensuring smooth integration for newcomers. Having this supportive environment all around positively influences my professional and personal life.

• What are your wishes and plans for the future of your career?

After completing my Ph.D., I am open to diverse opportunities. In the short term, I aim to further deepen my knowledge in the field of polymer chemistry and acquire new techniques, so pursuing a postdoctoral position would be something I seek. After that, in the long term, my goal is to build a career in the industry where I can lead research and innovation teams and come up with original ideas. I can apply the expertise I have gained over the years to develop novel polymeric products that meet the customers’ needs and ultimately make people’s lives easier.

• What do you like about your life in Strasbourg & in Alsace?

What I like about Strasbourg is that it is the perfect-sized city. You can find everything you need while maintaining a relaxed and manageable pace of life. And although this city has passed through many wars, its beauty is reflected in the charming historical architecture it still preserves. In addition to that, as it is situated closely by Germany and Switzerland, it offers an international welcoming environment for foreigners and makes travel between regions easier. And of course, you can’t talk about Strasbourg or Alsace without mentioning the Christmas markets; the magical time of the year when visitors from around the world come to experience the charming beauty of Alsatian villages.

• If you were to name the one thing you are most proud of (career-wise or in your personal life), what would it be?

Leaving my home country almost 5 years ago and deciding to move to France was a huge decision I made, and for that, I think I can say that I am proud of myself. Leaving my friends and family behind was not easy and arriving at a place where I know no one and barely speak the language was a challenge. Today, I think have managed to well integrate with the French culture, and I am grateful for the obstacles I had to encounter to be in the place I am today.